Canada at the World Juniors/Salming Diagnosed With ALS

 

Photo From CHL

While I and the rest of Leaf fans wait for the next piece of Leafs news, the latest being Marlies Captain Rich Clune announcing his retirement a few days ago to join the Leafs player development staff. So, for the time being I decided that I want to cover the Canada games at this tournament restart as Canada opens their tournament tonight against Latvia. Now, as we all are likely aware Hockey Canada is in the news for some simply disgusting accusations and I want to state here that I feel extremely sorry for anyone who was a victim involving the accused 2003 Junior team or the 2018 team. I thought about covering the Canada games at this tournament for a while as soon as the unfortunate news broke because I knew that Hockey Canada wasn’t going to be looked at in a positive light and that is understandable but in the end I decided that I would write about the Canada games because I look forward to this tournament every time it’s on and I am sure that we are going to be in for some exciting and entertaining hockey. One thing I want to talk about is how there has been a lot of conversation online from people saying that because of the sexual assault scandal involving hockey Canada they should not be allowed to participate in international tournaments untill this situation is resolved. Everyone of course is free to voice their opinion but at the same time I think we should tune in and watch when Canada plays and support these kids who have received the greatest honour an athlete can receive, the opportunity to play for their country. Let us support these kids because they have nothing to do with the allegations involving the 2018 team and they surely had nothing to do with the accusations involving the 2003 team. In the end it is your decision to watch the games or not, but I think it would be unfair for Canadian hockey fans to not show their support for these kids playing for the next few weeks in Alberta. I am not too sure how this article will be received but at the end of the day lets enjoy some World Junior hockey and trust that the necessary actions will lead to a much-needed change in Hockey Canada.

Canada opens their second attempt at the 2022 tournament tonight against Latvia and I will hope to have a write up posted later tonight or early tomorrow morning.

 

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As I was working on this article the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that legendary defenceman Borje Salming has been diagnosed with ALS. In a statement Borje said he understood that there was not a cure, but he believes one day there will be but for now he and his family will remain positive because there are many trial treatments available that will still hopefully allow him and others battling the disease to live a comfortable life. So, it goes without saying but Borje myself and all of Leafs Nation wish you the absolute best.

 

Photo From Sportsnet